Since pre-historic time, Mount Kailash has been considered the naval of
the universe by Hindus and Buddhists alike. The pyramid-shaped mountain
is the source of four rivers: the Sutlej, the Karnali, the Indus, and
the Brahmaputra. This trek follows the old pilgrimage and trade route
over the Himalayan range from western Nepal onto the Tibetan plateau.
Travel in this remote corner of the world is more of an expedition than
a trek, but requires no mountaineering skills. The trek begins in
Simikot, accessible by air, and heads west towards Yari before crossing
the 4,325 m / 14,200 ft Nara La (pass) and into the roof of the world.
A vehicle is waiting to take you to Talkakot and Lake Mansarovar
(4,558m / 17,716 ft), a holy lake with healing powers. A three-day trek
around Mount Kailash, crossing a 5,400m / 14,954 ft pass, allows time
to mingle with other pilgrims. The return route crosses the Tibetan
plateau by vehicle to Zhangmu, near the Nepal border.